It's one of the quintessential Melbourne experiences we're all sorely missing right now: a pint and a feed enjoyed IRL at your local. And while it might be a while before it's back on the menu properly, Parkville pub Naughtons Hotel is dishing up the next best thing with its new Pub in a Box.
As the name suggests, the venue's packaged up all the best bits of a pub visit into one covetable care pack, available for delivery and click-and-collect. The contents change up each week, though always include some cracking pub dishes (vegetarian options are available, too), accompaniments, a trivia card and — if you're ordering the two-person box — a curation of booze.
Recent editions have featured the likes of house-made peppered beef pies served with mash and gravy, fettuccine with an eggplant and chilli sugo, loaves of house-baked sourdough bread, bottles of wine and tinnies of local craft beer.
A solo serve box will set you back $45, while the two-person version comes in at $135. There are plenty of add-ons available, too; from cheese packs to desserts, plus Naughtons' full online selection of beer, wine and bottled cocktails. Jump onto the website to check order cut-off details and to suss out this week's menu.
Emily Weaving
Images: Emily Weaving